Peroz (Firuz), Sasanian King AD 457/9-484

Sunrise # 938 (this coin), SNS Type I/1a, Gobl Type I/1, Extremely Fine

Mint: AS.

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There are two interpretations for the mint abbreviated AS. One is “Aspahan” which is Modern day Isfahan in central Iran or according to M.I. Mochiri, Aspanvar, which was the military headquarters of the royal cavalry in a suburb of the capital Ctesiphon, 20 miles south-east of modern Baghdad. This is the rarest type for Peroz’s drachms, showing him in his first crown. As discussed above, this crown has an uncanny resemblance to the crown of his great-grandfather Yazdgird I, who was very favorable toward Christians. Peroz’s good relationship with both Christians and his own priesthood lead to conflict with his Jewish subjects who saw themselves as less-favored, even though Peroz maintained an extremely friendly and cordial relationship with the Jewish rabbis and leaders of that community. A rebellion took place in the city of Jay in central Iran which had a wealthy and powerful Jewish community (as it has to this day). Peroz put down the rebellion and created a new military city called Sepahan (meaning “standing army” in Persian) adjacent to the old city. Slowly the two cities became one under the name Sepahan, today known as Isfahan. In the sixteenth Century, Isfahan became the capital of Islamic Safavid Persian empire and flourished, having the greatest examples of Persian architecture, art and gardens which can still be visited today.